DE102008012973B3 - System for refilling flowable or pourable detergents or cleaners - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for refilling flowable or pourable detergents or cleaners comprising a spout (1) which can be placed on the opening of a bottle (15) and comprises a collar (8) with a fastening means (5) for liquid-tight fastening of the spout (1 ) on a bottle (15), a collar (7) with a fastening means (6) for liquid- and / or gas-tight fastening of a closure and / or dosing cap (16) on the spout (1), a wall (10), extending from the collar (8) or collar (7) towards the interior of the bottle, a funnel (9) extending from the shoulder (17) of the wall (10) beyond the collar (6) out of the interior of the bottle Side of the spout (1), wherein the funnel (9) has a funnel opening (11), and with the pouring opening of a refill container (2) detachable adapter element (3) comprising a cylinder element (21) and one with the cylinder element (21) associated circumferential collar (22) on which a fastening element (24) for liquid-tight fastening of the adapter element (3) is arranged, a membrane (26) in the assembled state of the adapter element (3) with the refill container (2) the refill container (2) closes and leakage of flowable or pourable washing or cleaning agents from the refill container (2), in particular in the overhead position of the refill container (2), prevents the cylinder element (21) ...

Description

The The invention relates to a system for refilling flow or pourable washing or cleaning agents according to the preamble of claim 1. It should such means from a refill in one with a spout provided bottle refilled can be.

Out The prior art has a variety of systems for refilling Products from a transport in a storage container known.

such Systems have the advantage that the transport packaging usually is manufactured with low material and processing costs, so that they are facing the raw materials savings and the resulting costs and environmental benefits.

critical for the However, acceptance of such systems by the consumer is, in addition to the Cost issue, the simple, safe and convenient handling when refill the storage container by means of the transport packaging.

at Storage containers are often spouts today set the discharge opening, which a convenient and accurate pouring and dosing of the contents of the container allow. Such spouts especially for liquid detergents containing bottles increasingly widespread.

From the US Pat. No. 4,614,437 For example, a refill system is known that consists of a pourable on a bottle spout to which a refill can be coupled in such a way that the spout when placing the refill on the spout, the sealing film that closes the opening of the refill, pierces and so Contents of the refill container flows into the bottle.

One significant disadvantage of this solution it is that the sealing foil to the closure of the refill container so be thin must be that they still with a reasonable effort when putting of the refill container the spout be pierced can. As a result, there is a risk that such a film during Transport unintentionally damaged and so the contents of the refill container unintentionally pours. This can happen especially if a consumer such Refill container in putting a shopping cart or grocery bag with other products, in particular, the corners of a product package or slim molded products such as pins with unavoidable relative movements between the goods so transported the sealing foil of the refill container can destroy.

A additional Closure cap to protect the film against mechanical influences is basically conceivable, but more expensive such an additional component as possible economical To be interpreted refill container noticeable. Of Further requires an additional Cap in addition to the manufacture of the component also - by the necessary screwing or bouncing - an additional assembly step in the packaging of a corresponding refill container.

Further it is not desirable that any refill container with a certain storage container can be coupled, for example, if then non-storage stable products by refilling be inadvertently mixed with each other.

task The invention is therefore a system for refilling flow or pourable washing or detergents from a sealed with a membrane Refill container in one with a spout provided bottle in which the film of the refill container in a cost effective manner Protected against mechanical influences, is based on conventional Art with a reasonable force can be pierced through the spout and this is an inadvertent refilling of non-intermingled products.

These Task is by a refill system solved with the features of claim 1.

The inventive system for refilling from fluent or pourable washing or detergent reaches the previously explained result with a constructive very simple and easy to handle solution, especially by the Forming a "key-lock" principle of a precise one guide and a relative positioning in the coupling of adapter element and spouts, what below explained becomes.

The inventive system for refilling from bulk or flowable washing or detergents, in addition to having one, below even closer described spout, provided bottle, a refill container the pouring a Adapter element is arranged.

The Adapter element has the task to couple the refill such with the spout, that the contents of the refill container safe from the refill container, through the spout through, into the bottle.

Characterized in that the adapter element is provided with a fastening means for liquid-tight attachment to the refill container can the adapter element can be connected to any desired refill containers. The attachment between the refill container and the adapter element may be formed, detachable or non-detachable, fabric, form or non-positively. It is particularly preferred that the fastening element is configured as a screw connection, bounce connection, snap-lock connection, adhesive connection or a combination thereof.

Of the Adapter is preferably made of a plastic material, in particular by an injection molding process.

Of the Adapter further includes a cylinder member and a with the cylindrical element connected circumferential collar.

The Projection of the cylinder element preferably gives a circular or oval contour. However, there are also other shapes of the cylinder element conceivable, as long as they are shaped with the shape of the funnel correspond that the adapter for the purpose of refilling with the pourer is detachable. The cylinder element is therefore not on a circular or oval projection contour.

The Cylinder element further has a guide groove in such is configured, that the cylinder element over the funnel and a From the funnel plane protruding web of the spout are slid detachable can, whereby thereby the positioning of the adapter element relative to the spout is fixed.

hereby is the adapter element on a key-lock principle on the Funnel of the spout slipped. The formation of such a key-lock principle points a lot of advantages. First, it ensures that only for refilling provided, equipped with a corresponding adapter Refill on the spout can be coupled. hereby can be prevented from causing unwanted mixing from Z. B. non-storable detergent compositions, if, for example, still a residual amount of a first detergent composition is present in the bottle, but this already before complete emptying to be filled with a second detergent composition.

Further is, as already stated above, by the guide groove and the web at Coupling the adapter with the spout the positioning of the Set adapter element relative to the spout. Such is for example prevents rotation of the adapter in the coupled state. hereby is guaranteed that the funnel of the spout always at one or more defined points the membrane of Adapter element pierces when coupling, so that this puncture or puncture of the Membrane are specially designed. For a simple and for the user not too power consuming, convenient dome operation can therefore at such a defined and specified puncture site one or more thin spots be provided in the membrane. The structural weakening of the membrane can thereby locally and be limited to a minimum, whereby the membrane thickness and the For this necessary amount of material reduced to the necessary minimum can be.

Of Further is through the web of the spout and the corresponding Groove on the adapter element prevents a refill container without corresponding Groove on the infuser can be set, so that accidental refilling with one not for refilling suitable product is largely prevented.

Of the pourer functions, in addition to its generic function as pouring aid, at the same time as an opening aid for the Membrane of the adapter, so that to dispense with an additional opening aid can.

In Another, advantageous, embodiment of the invention is on the Inner side of the cylinder element from the pouring opening of the cylinder element towards the membrane at least one ramp-shaped guide rib arranged. As a result, the funnel of the spout is controlled during the dome operation to the piercing provided point of the membrane out being between the funnel and the cylinder element of the adapter usually a certain amount of play is available. This ensures that that despite the match between funnel and cylinder element, which also for a simple slipping of the Adapter over the funnel is necessary, the exact positioning of the funnel with respect to the for piercing intended thin spot given is.

Further it is advantageous to design the adapter element such that the guide groove at a distance to the pouring side Edge of the cylinder element terminates and a substantially V-shaped opening of the guide groove starting from the pouring side Extending edge of the cylinder element. As a result, the slipping of the Adapter element over simplified the funnel, as the bridge through the V-shaped opening at Coupling process is automatically performed in the guide. So it is not necessary, the guide groove exactly above the To position the bridge, as through the V-shaped opening a certain misalignment in the positioning of guide groove to bridge during the coupling process is compensated.

Of the Refill can both as a dimensionally stable container, especially as a bottle, can, carton or the like, as well as more flexible Container, like something as a bag or tube to be trained.

It It is particularly advantageous that the refill container has a lower average Wall thickness as the bottle into which the contents of the refill container are filled should, has.

Prefers is the refill from made of a plastic material.

Under Membrane in the sense of this application is understood to mean a flat closure element which in with the refill container mounted Condition of the adapter element closes the refill and a Leakage of fluid or pourable washing or cleaning agents from the refill container, especially in the over-head position of the refill container prevented and upon coupling of the adapter element to the spout a user is pierceable by the funnel of the spout.

The Membrane can be one-piece be formed with the adapter element or as a separate part on Adapter element, preferably cohesively, be arranged.

The Membrane is advantageously made of a plastic, such as PE, PP, PET or a metal, such as aluminum, formed.

The Thickness of the membrane is between 0.3 μm and 1.5 μm, preferably between 0.5 μm and 1 μm.

thin places For the purposes of these applications are material weakenings of the membrane, in particular are formed by a reduction of the material thickness.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the membrane one or more thin spots on, at least in sections, the projection of the funnel molding the spout correspond.

Especially it is advantageous that the projection of the funnel molding a round or oval contour is formed and at least one thin point linear is and follows this contour at least partially in such a way that when coupling the adapter element with the spout of the Funnel on the thin place encounters.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention the thin spot a substantially T-shaped Section that is configured to be in the process of coupling of the adapter element with the spout on the top of the funnel encounters.

Of the pourer is one on the pouring opening of a Bottle liquid-tight attachable device for the controlled and convenient delivery of flowable or pourable washing or detergents from the bottle, in particular by tilting the bottle from a stand to a dispensing position. Such spouts are also known as "Spout".

Of the pourer is liquid-tight by a suitable fastening means at the pouring of the Bottle fixed. In particular, the fastening means can be a detachable or unsolvable, fabric, form or non-positive Connection between the bottle opening and the spout form. It is particularly preferred that the fastening element as screw connection, bounce connection, snap-lock connection, adhesive connection or a combination thereof.

Prefers is the spout from a plastic material, in particular by an injection molding method, produced.

Of the pourer further comprises a collar with a fastening means for liquid and / or gastight attachment of a closure and / or Dosierkappe the spout, whereby the bottle sealed liquid-tight for the purpose of transport can be.

Further points the spout a wall which extends in the direction of the bottle interior and from the funnel over the collar out of the bottle inside remote side of the spout extends, wherein the funnel has a funnel opening.

In a preferable development of the invention is on the from the inside of the bottle farthest point of the funnel opening a Arranged over the top the edge of the funnel opening protrudes. Through this tip, the piercing of the membrane can significantly be relieved.

Of Further, it is advantageous that the funnel opening as obliquely cut Pipe is formed so that the user when pouring a has and has a good enough view of the outflowing product can if product at the delivery port of the funnel is pending.

The bottle, bottle, is arranged at the pouring spout of the spout, is a dimensionally stable container, especially as a bottle, box, cardboard or similar formed.

Prefers the bottle is made of a plastic material and has especially a handle on.

Further embodiments The invention will be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. It shows:

1 a bottle with spout and a refill container with container opening in the uncoupled state

2 a bottle with spout and a refill container with container opening in the coupled state

3 an adapter element with a perspective view of the refill container side membrane surface

4 an adapter element with a perspective view of the spreader-side membrane surface

5 a spout in perspective view

6 a spout and an adapter element in the uncoupled state in a perspective view

7 a spout and an adapter element in the engaged state in a perspective view with a partial section through the spout

8th a spout and an adapter element in the engaged state in a perspective cross-sectional view

9 a funnel and a membrane in the engaged state in a perspective cross-sectional view

10 a funnel and a membrane in the pierced state of the membrane in a perspective plan view

11 a bottle, a spout and a cap in an exploded view

1

pourer

2

refill

3

adapter element

5

thread

6

thread

7

collar

8th

collar

9

funnel

10

wall

11

funnel opening

12

wreath

13

wall

14

ground

15

bottle

16

cap

17

shoulder

18

neck

19

web

20

guide

21

cylinder

22

collar

23

top

24

thread

25

opening

26

membrane

27

thin place

28

guide ribs

29

guide ribs

30

opening

1 shows a bottle 15 with spout 1 as a storage container and a refill container 2 with the adapter element 3 in the uncoupled state of refill container 2 and bottle 15 , The adapter element 3 is designed in such a way that it is in the over-head position of the refill container 2 - as in 2 indicated - with the spout 1 the bottle 15 can be coupled, so that in the refill container 2 stored contents gravitationally effected from the refill container 2 through the spout 1 in the bottle 15 can flow into it.

In 3 and 4 is below the adapter element 3 explained in more detail.

First, it will open 3 received the adapter element 3 with a perspective view of the refill container side membrane surface 26 shows.

The preferably made of a plastic material, in particular by an injection molding process, produced adapter element 3 has a circumferential, cylindrical collar 22 on, on the inside of an internal thread 24 as a fastener for liquid-tight attachment to a refill container 2 is provided.

The adapter 3 further comprises a cylinder member 21 extending from the circumferential collar 22 starting in the direction away from the interior of the refill container direction extends. The cylinder element 21 and the collar 22 are arranged concentrically with each other, the collar 22 has a larger diameter than the cylinder 21 ,

Between collar 22 and cylinder element 21 is the membrane 26 arranged the collar 22 completely from the cylinder element 21 separates. The membrane 26 Can be integral with the adapter 3 be formed or as a separate element in the adapter 3 be fitted, with the membrane 26 then preferably cohesively in the adapter 3 is fixed.

The cylinder element 21 also has a guide groove 20 configured such that the cylinder member 21 - such as out 7 visible - over the funnel 9 and a jetty protruding from the funnel plane 19 the spout 1 can be put on detachable. This will cause the positioning of the adapter element 3 relative to the spout 1 set in a kind of key-lock-principle.

In addition, on 4 received the adapter element 3 with a perspective view of the spreader-side membrane surface 26 shows.

It can be seen first, the U-shaped configuration of the guide 20 on the cylinder element 21 , The membrane 26 has on the spreader-side membrane surface linear thin areas 27 on, at least in sections, the projection of the funnel molding 9 the spout 1 match, so when coupling the adapter element 3 with the spout 1 the funnel 9 at least in sections on the thin spot 27 encounters.

In the 4 shown thin spot 27 has a T-shaped, to the edge of the cylinder 21 directed and a Y-shaped section, approximately the middle of the membrane 26 , on. The T-shaped section is configured and positioned so that when coupling adapter element 3 with the spout 1 on top 23 of the funnel 9 For example, what happens 9 is apparent.

This configuration of T- and Y-shaped section results in piercing the membrane 26 with the spout 1 cause the membrane 26 along the T- and Y-shaped sections divides into two wings, thereby preventing inadvertent clogging of the pouring opening of the adapter opening and a defined tearing and opening of the pouring opening is ensured.

On the inside of the cylinder element 21 are in the area of the T-shaped thin spot 27 from the pouring opening of the cylinder element 21 to the membrane 26 towards ramp-shaped guide ribs 29 arranged during the coupling process - like out 8th apparent - the top 23 of the funnel 9 controlled at the intended location for piercing the membrane 26 to lead.

The guide groove 20 ends at a distance to the pouring edge of the cylinder element 21 , wherein there is a substantially V-shaped opening 30 from the guide groove 20 starting from the pouring edge of the cylinder element 21 extends. As a result, the slipping over of the adapter element 3 over the funnel 9 simplified, as the bridge 19 through the V-shaped opening 30 during the coupling process automatically into the guide groove 20 to be led.

In addition, on the pouring spout 1 towards the surface of the membrane 26 further ramp-like guide ribs 28 arranged. These guide ribs 28 effect when placing the spout 1 on the membrane 26 that the pourer 1 exactly on the thin spot 27 to be led. These are the guide ribs 28 to the cylinder 21 sloping down, formed like a ramp, so that the spout 1 when placed automatically in the correct position above the thin area 27 is guided, even if the spout 1 The user was not exactly attached during the coupling process or the funnel 9 the spout 1 deformed during the coupling process under the pressure load.

5 shows a detailed view of the spout in a perspective perspective, from which it is clearly visible that on the inside of the bottle 15 far farthest point of the funnel 9 a peak 23 is placed over the edge of the funnel 9 protrudes. As seen from the detail view of 5 Also evident is the tip 23 formed as a rib on the funnel inner wall. The summit 23 lies the jetty 19 in a flight directly opposite.

Claims (8)

System for topping up flowable or pourable detergents or cleaners comprising • one on the opening of a bottle ( 15 ) attachable spouts ( 1 ) - a collar ( 8th ) with a fastening means ( 5 ) for liquid-tight attachment of the spout ( 1 ) on the bottle ( 15 ), - a collar ( 7 ) with a fastening means ( 6 ) for liquid and / or gas-tight attachment of a closure and / or Dosierkappe ( 16 ) on the spout ( 1 ), - a wall ( 10 ) extending from the collar ( 8th ) or collar ( 7 ) extends in the direction of the bottle interior, - a funnel ( 9 ), extending from the shoulder ( 17 ) the Wall ( 10 ) over the collar ( 7 ) out of the bottle interior facing away from the spout ( 1 ), wherein the funnel ( 9 ) a funnel opening ( 11 ), and • a with the pouring opening of a refill container ( 2 ) detachable adapter element ( 3 ) comprising - a cylinder element ( 21 ) and - one with the cylinder element ( 21 ), surrounding collar ( 22 ) on which a Befestigungsse lement ( 24 ) for liquid-tight fastening of the adapter element ( 3 ), - a membrane ( 26 ), which in the assembled state of the adapter element ( 3 ) with the refill container ( 2 ) the refill container ( 2 ) and leakage of flowable or pourable detergents or cleaners from the refill container ( 2 ), in particular in the overhead position of the refill container ( 2 ), prevented. characterized in that • the cylinder element ( 21 ) of the adapter element ( 3 ) a guide groove ( 20 ), which is configured such that the cylinder element ( 21 ) over the funnel ( 9 ) and the protruding from the funnel plane web ( 19 ) of the spout ( 1 ) can be detachably slipped, whereby the positioning of the adapter element ( 3 ) relative to the spout ( 1 ). System for refilling flowable or pourable detergents or cleaners according to claim 1, characterized in that the membrane ( 26 ) one or more thin sites ( 27 ), which correspond at least in sections to the projection of the funnel formation. System for refilling flowable or pourable detergents or cleaners according to claim 2, characterized in that the projection of the funnel molding is a round or oval contour and at least one thin spot ( 27 ) is formed in a line and at least partially follows this contour in such a way that when coupling the adapter element ( 3 ) with the spout ( 1 ) the funnel ( 9 ) on the thin spot ( 27 ) pushes. System for refilling flowable or free-flowing detergents or cleaners according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at the of the interior of the bottle ( 15 ) farthest point of the funnel opening ( 11 ) a peak ( 23 ) arranged over the edge of the funnel opening ( 11 protrudes). System for refilling flowable or pourable detergents or cleaning agents according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the funnel opening ( 11 ) is formed as an obliquely cut tube. System for refilling flowable or pourable detergents or cleaners according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the thin point ( 27 ) has a substantially T-shaped portion which is configured such that when coupling the adapter element ( 3 ) with the spout ( 1 ) on top ( 23 ) of the funnel ( 9 ) pushes. System for refilling flowable or free-flowing detergents or cleaning agents according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the inside of the cylinder element ( 21 ) from the pouring opening of the cylinder element ( 21 ) to the membrane ( 26 ) at least one ramp-shaped guide rib ( 29 ) is arranged. System for refilling flowable or pourable detergents or cleaning agents according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide groove ( 20 ) at a distance from the pouring edge of the cylinder element ( 21 ) and a substantially V-shaped opening of the guide groove ( 20 ) starting from the pouring edge of the cylinder element ( 21 ).